
Thursday August 1, 2024

Abdul Qadir Mumin (left), leader of the Islamic State's Somalia branch (IS-S), with an unidentified militant. Mumin reportedly survived a U.S. airstrike on May 31, 2024. Credit: FURA
Mogadishu (HOL) —Security analysts worry the Islamic State's Somalia branch (IS-S) is rapidly expanding its influence and operational capabilities, posing a growing threat both within Somalia and internationally. On May 31, a U.S. airstrike near Dhaadaar in northeastern Somalia targeted Abdul Qadir Mumin, the leader of IS-S. While Mumin is believed to have survived, the strike resulted in the deaths of three other militants, illustrating the heightened concern among U.S. officials about the group's rising role within the global Islamic State network.
IS-S is now a key player in cross-branch financing, logistics, and the recruitment of foreign fighters, aiding other IS branches, particularly in East and Central Africa. The group has solidified control over significant territory in northern Somalia, establishing a base for operations and supporting the al-Karrar office, which oversees financial programs and militant activities across the region.